So how do we win Game 7 without Perk?

[tgreanier]

Let me be honest and begin by saying I believe the Celtics cannot win any more quarters without Perk in there. But, I know someone will disagree, so - please - tell me how the Celtics can win Game 7 without him. I would *love* to find some hope before Thursday.

[celticinorlando]

they can win with sheed and baby...they will have a day to regroup. but Doc is going to have to play his horses the entire game. KG is going to have play big minutes

[nickagneta]

Bit premature...don't you think?

[MaxwellSmart86]

I'd say Sheed....but you just know he's gonna pick up a T in the second half tonight.

[CoachBo]

Work harder on the backboards.

And do the things that got us here - move the basketball, defend, take care of the basketball.

Perkins has been a liability offensively all series - it will take rebounding and defense off the bench.

And effort, which has not been present at all in the first half.

[rjsuperfly66]

Think about it, several times during the course of fourth quarter, Perkins does not even play.

He is important, but he is not the do all, end all.

Other guys are just going to have to step up and make plays, whether Rasheed, Baby, or God forbid Scal becomes the Game 7 hero.

But of course, thats if we get to a Game 7.

Like the Goonies, Celtics never say die.

[FallGuy]

I think it's all been covered above me.

Long minutes for KG, Sheed and Baby.

Effort and focus.

D.

Hitting some shots.

[tgreanier]

Perk's interior defense is critical, I believe that to be true. Like I said, I would love to be wrong.

[cornbreadsmart]

I think Phil would be smart to bench Bynum so he'll be much better for the next game. I'd love to be wrong too but it will be the Lakers title to lose. It would take almost a miracle for the c's. Any defending champ in a game 7 at home against their arch rival, whom they want revenge against,is going to have a hell of a game.

[Who]

A lot of it depends on Andrew Bynum ... whether LA have an advantage or not + if there is an advantage, how large of an advantage that may be.

[celticinorlando]

well he gimped off to the lockerroom also...if there is a god he would be hurt bad too

[tgreanier]

well he gimped off to the lockerroom also...if there is a god he would be hurt bad too

Very uncool.

[dooyork]

Let me be honest and begin by saying I believe the Celtics cannot win any more quarters without Perk in there. But, I know someone will disagree, so - please - tell me how the Celtics can win Game 7 without him. I would *love* to find some hope before Thursday.

Game 7 will be tougher without Perk, no question.  If Doc is smart he will keep Sheed on the bench for the rest of the evening.  On Thursday we will need several things to have a chance:

* everybody get a good night sleep and come out sharp.  Rondo needs to hook the team up with some free Red bulls.

* Sheed, KG, and Baby will all need to play big minutes and play smart

* Ray, Rondo, Paul, KG, Sheed, all will need to hit shots.

* Bynum needs to be a little more gimpy than he was tonight.

* The refs will have to call the game fairly

If all of these things happen, we will have a shot Thursday.  As far as I'm concerned, the more lopsided the score is tonight and the more one-sided the refereeing is tonight, the better it will be for Boston on Thursday.

[Shots]

I think Phil would be smart to bench Bynum so he'll be much better for the next game. I'd love to be wrong too but it will be the Lakers title to lose. It would take almost a miracle for the c's. Any defending champ in a game 7 at home against their arch rival, whom they want revenge against,is going to have a hell of a game.

First.. Bynum has been injured all series, rested or not. I don't think it makes any difference for him to rest, he's clearly injured. There's just not much point on him risking further injury when Perk is not out there. I'd be very surprised if Bynum would be any better in game 7, just because of not playing heavy minutes tonight

Secondly, sure. Of course they are motivated, but I think you're playing down the Celtics a bit too soon. It's a game 7, meaning both of the teams are very equal. If it wasn't for Bryant going absolutely mental in 3rd quarter in game 6, the scenario would basically have been the same. And I think it's fair to say their team has bounced back fairly well. Remember game 4 against the Cavs, game 6 against Orlando. Every time the Celtics has taken a serious beating these playoffs, they've responded by hitting back even harder. Granted it's going to be a tough task without Perkins, but he's not been ruled out of the game yet (however I'd say it looks pretty dire)..

Can the Celtics win without Perk? Of course. It's not going to be easy, but it's definitely not impossible. Home crowd, momentum etc, I believe the Lakers bench have topped today, just like the Celtics did at home in game 4.

[misha]

well he gimped off to the lockerroom also...if there is a god he would be hurt bad too

Please tell me you forgot to put 'not' after 'would', or are you really wishing injury upon player from your team?